Understanding how genetic mutations lead to developmental defects
Official title: Dynamics of Developmental Defect Formation
Funded at Princeton University · NIH-11064325 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genetic changes can lead to developmental disorders by using fruit flies to understand how their breathing system forms, which could help us learn more about conditions like RASopathies that affect growth and development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Princeton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $33,538 |
| NIH project number | 1F31HD117477-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11064325 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with known genetic mutations linked to developmental disorders, particularly those associated with RASopathies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without genetic mutations or those with developmental disorders not related to RASopathies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between genetic mutations and developmental disorders by using a model organism, Drosophila, to study the formation of the larval tracheal system. By employing live imaging techniques, the researchers aim to identify critical points in development that are affected by these mutations, particularly focusing on the RASopathies, a group of developmental diseases. The study will analyze how changes in signaling pathways correlate with the emergence of defects, providing insights into the timing and nature of these developmental issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of developmental disorders, potentially informing new therapeutic strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using model organisms to elucidate the mechanisms of developmental disorders, suggesting that this approach is promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Princeton University
Princeton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Simpkins, Alison — Princeton University
- Study coordinator: Simpkins, Alison
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How neuropeptides could influence aging and Alzheimer’s risk
Researchers at Princeton are studying whether changing brain signaling chemicals called neuropeptides can extend healthy aging and reduce Alzheimer’s-related brain changes, with a focus on people at risk for Alzheimer’s disease dementia.
-
Sleep and aging brain resilience in a short-lived vertebrate model
A young-aged-friendly project explores how sleep quality affects brain health during aging, using a tiny, fast-lived fish model to understand Alzheimer’s-related changes.
-
How hepatitis C adapts to other species to help develop vaccines
Researchers are making a mouse-friendly version of hepatitis C so scientists can better test vaccines and understand the virus for people living with or at risk of hepatitis C.
-
Mapping how cells push and pull in living tissues
A science project at Princeton aims to map and control the forces between cells in 3D tissues to better understand cancer, development, and healing, with potential benefits for patients in the future.
-
Understanding how brain signals give rise to thinking using brain-wide recordings
Researchers at Princeton are developing new brain theories and computer tools to understand how complex neural signals relate to thinking and behavior.
-
Cancer metabolism revealed through mass spectrometry and isotope tracing
A scientist team at Princeton will study how cancer cells use nutrients by analyzing metabolites with advanced mass spectrometry and labeled tracers.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.